With the mission of bringing back traditional femininity and beauty with depth, global television network NTD announced that it is launching its first-ever beauty pageant.
Geared toward young women of Chinese descent, the pageant will be judging candidates on five “inner virtues” that are valued in traditional Chinese culture: morality, righteousness, propriety, benevolence, and faithfulness.
At a press conference held at NTD’s headquarters in New York on Friday, the organizers explained that the pageant seeks to educate young Chinese women about their heritage, in the hopes that the values from ancient China will be instilled in them and prepare them to become role models for future generations.
Organizers also emphasized that contestants should think about how their beauty can serve a higher purpose.
Lucy Zhou, managing director of the pageant, said, “This pageant is not something for fame, but for extolling virtues.”
The event is part of the independent broadcaster’s series of cultural and art events aimed at promoting authentic Chinese culture.
Judges will select applicants to advance to the next round, an online interview. Those candidates will be required to study an online training course covering topics of self-improvement and Chinese history, including public speaking, self-expression, dressing for success, and understanding Chinese virtues.
Forty finalists will be selected to advance and compete in person in New York in fall 2023. They will be evaluated based on their responses to judges’ questions; their evening gown and national costume presentations; and their creative talents. The competition will be televised to NTD’s millions of viewers worldwide via satellite and cable TV and streaming platforms.
The grand prize winner, who will be crowned “Miss NTD,” will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a sapphire-and-diamond-encrusted tiara, and a selection of fine jewelry and designer dresses. During her full year of reign as “Miss NTD,” she will act as an ambassador for the pageant.
NTD, a sister media to The Epoch Times, was founded in 2001 by Chinese Americans who fled communism to create a platform for uncensored, unbiased reporting on China’s human rights abuses.
